KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 — Kollywood megastar Rajinikanth received a rapturous welcome on his arrival at the KL International Airport on Monday, which caused a frenzy on social media.

Rajinikanth has come to Malaysia to shoot scenes for his highly-anticipated movie, Kabali.

Yesterday, he called on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca, Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, at his office in Seri Negeri. Khalil is reputed to be a big fan of Rajinikanth ever since the 1995 hit movie Muthu. 

After an introduction and discussion, Khalil said it gave him great pleasure to be up close and personal with the Indian acting legend whom he described as a “great man”.

“It is a great pleasure to have such a superstar like Rajinikanth here with me today,” he said.

Social media trend #KabaliInMalaysia began circulating on Monday, accompanied by photographs put up by ardent fans who were fortunate enough to get a glimpse of the actor known simply as “Superstar” in Chennai, which is the traditional home of Kollywood movies. 

After graciously obliging fans who mobbed him for autographs and photographs, Rajinikanth was whisked away from the airport in a white Hello Kitty-themed limousine.

Sources from India initially suggested that Rajinikanth’s stay in Malaysia was scheduled from Oct 19 to Nov 19. However, reports are now estimating the stay to range anywhere from one week to one month. After completing scenes in Malacca and Carey Island, he is scheduled to travel to Thailand and Hong Kong to continue with more filming commitments. 

Kabali is Rajinikanth’s 159th studio production and is slated for release on April 15 next year to coincide with the Tamil New Year (April 14) weekend. Directed by Pa Ranjith, his role in the movie is that of a don, based on the story of a real-life gangster who originated from Chennai, according to The Indian Express.

The cast also features Kishore, Kalaiyarasan, Dinesh Ravi and Radhika Apte, who plays the female lead.

Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad in Bangalore, 1950, Rajinikanth began acting during the time when he worked as a bus conductor.  Later, he opted to attend the Madras Film Institute with a friend, which was against his parent’s wishes. 

He obtained his diploma in acting and his choice of profession paid off as his rise to fame came in the early 1980s through popular films such as Murattu Kaalai. 

According to Forbes India, he is ranked 21 on the top 100 rich list, and 89 on the influential index.